The Parade Company Announces Daniel J. Loepp as Chairman of The Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation

The Parade Company is pleased to announce Daniel J. Loepp, president and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation.

“Dan is a major force in the rebirth of Detroit and our region, and as our Chairman, his incredible dedication and leadership in our community will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow our organization,” said Tony Michaels, president & CEO, The Parade Company. “As we move forward, I want to thank and recognize Eric Larson, our outstanding immediate past Chair of the Foundation.”

“It is an honor to be named Chairman for such a distinguished organization and one that BCBSM is proud to support,” said Loepp. “I look forward to expanding my involvement with the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation and The Parade Company, whose events and work greatly benefit our community.”

Loepp and BCBSM have been longtime supporters of The Parade Company. In fact, 2015 marked the Blues 32nd year as a major parade sponsor. BCBSM’s Path of Confidence float was unveiled in 2013 and is one of the most iconic floats in America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van. In addition to the float, BCBSM sponsors the annual VIP Pancake Breakfast and many other Parade Company initiatives.

As president and CEO of BCBSM, Loepp has played a major role in modernizing the state’s health care delivery system and has led initiatives to improve health care quality and slow cost increases, saving nearly $1.5 billion through programs that have served as models implemented across the country. Under his leadership, the Blues are helping to revitalize and strengthen Michigan’s core cities. In 2011 and 2012, Loepp directed the relocation of 3,000 BCBSM employees into downtown Detroit and the company now has more than 6,000 workers in the city’s central business district.

Loepp serves on the board of directors for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and served as the organization’s chair in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He also serves on the board of directors for many Michigan organizations including Downtown Detroit Partnership, for which he serves as Executive Committee Chairman.